The rapidway project in the Bathurst & Centre area is making excellent progress – and the transformation of the corridor is in the home stretch. With Centre Street’s long-term lane closures opened again – and two lanes of traffic are flowing both eastbound and westbound – drivers will have relief. It’s the perfect time to take a fresh look at traffic movements and safety in the area.
good habits are key when it comes to safety
During the heaviest construction periods, a number of
drivers may develop habits of cutting through residential streets that are
meant for local traffic only as a short-cut around construction. Oftentimes,
higher volumes of traffic and excessive speeds are noted on roadways meant for
quiet, residential neighbourhoods.
We understand and acknowledge the inconvenience and frustration
of construction. However, it is important to remember the following:
stick to the main arterial roads and avoid
residential short cuts
obey posted speed limits
watch for pedestrians crossing
a
project designed with quality of life in mind
The new streetscape on Centre and Bathurst streets is
designed with the people of the community top of mind. It’s becoming a more
walkable and beautiful area with wider, tree-lined sidewalks with updated
infrastructure and easy access to rapid and local transit – and many places to
live, work, shop and play.
As the community grows and people adopt new travel patterns, we drive positive change together. Bus rapid transit and subway connections are a key part of planning for change and growth. As part of the Centres and Corridors initiative, we are building a project that is much more than just a rapidway.
Have you
ever seen a group of people with white hard-hats walking along a rapidway
construction site, although it seems like there isn’t much construction
happening? Have you ever wondered, “How many people does it take to look in a
hole?” or, “Why is everyone just standing around and talking?”
Well, we hope
to help answer those questions.
getting a closer look
The
constructor schedules regular walk-downs of each of our rapidway construction
projects – from one end to another – in order to closely review completed, ongoing
and upcoming work. Different walks have different purposes, including safety
monitoring, the quality of work in progress and the quality of completed
elements to ensure everything works as intended once the rapidway opens for
service.
That’s not
all. As we get closer to a project’s completion and opening for service, the
number of walk-downs goes way up to ensure that everything has been built
according to plan in order to ensure that projects can be opened for service to
the public. Here are some answers to the two biggest questions about walk-downs:
why so many people?
Each team
member on a walk-down has a specific job. And depending on the purpose of the walk-down,
a variety of people with different expertise may participate.
To review
an area before a major work operation, for example, the walk-down team may
include a vivaNext Project Engineer, who would ensure that the work plan is
accurate to engineering drawings; and the Community Liaison, who communicates
the impacts to businesses, residents and other stakeholders.
It may
also include an Engineer from York Region’s Transportation Services, who inspects
the roadway elements – such as street lighting, sidewalks, boulevards, traffic
signals, pavement markings, and signs – and ensures compliance with lane
closure permits;
Safety
Managers ensure that the work plan is safe. And Supervisors from the Constructor
and sub-contractor companies take everyone through the work plan and operation.
In some
cases, municipal and regional staff will join us on inspections– for example, with
water main connections, vivastation construction, paving, and red asphalt in
the rapidways; and for works near Highway 400, provincial Ministry staff may
join the walk-down.
what are they looking for during a walk-down?
Participants
are looking at a variety of factors based on their role within the project team,
and depending on the particular purpose of the walk-down.
Some
participants are specifically looking for possible errors in construction – in new
pavement, installed signs, storm sewers, and other quality concerns to be
addressed.
All items are
documented and while some items may need to be fixed immediately, others will be
addressed during the contractor’s warranty period. Other participants look for
how the operation will unfold and the impact to the community, such as accessibility
for pedestrians. Follow-up walk-downs are then scheduled to review progress on
documented items.
Each
participant on a walk-down plays an important role in order to deliver
high-quality rapidway projects throughout York Region.
STAYING INFORMED
Make sure
to connect with us on social media to receive regular construction updates and
stay in touch! The
best way to stay informed about our construction projects is to sign-up for
email notifications at vivanext.com/subscribe, and to follow us on our
social media platforms.
Despite wavering weather from Mother Nature, crews have been busy with a number of work activities across each of our construction projects in Richmond Hill, Newmarket and Vaughan.
If you’ve been out driving or walking along these projects, you
may feel that construction can sometimes be messy, chaotic, and never-ending. Although
all this work may appear identical, there are actually a number of construction
activities underway, many of which require specialized crews. But, before work
starts on each of rapid transit projects, there’s careful planning that goes on
behind the scenes.
vivastations
There are many steps in building each of the iconic vivastations
across our projects, all which are carefully planned to ensure work can get
completed efficiently, while ensuring everyone – pedestrians, motorists and
construction workers – remain safe. When complete, transit users will be able
to enjoy new technology and innovative features that each vivastation offers.
Building a vivastation is sort of like putting together the pieces
to a puzzle. Each step carefully lays the foundation for the vivastation,
prioritizing consistency, quality, and safety.
As the year progresses and work on our vivastations begins to
unfold, keep your eyes out for each of the following steps that go into building
a vivastation!
1. Excavation, caisson drilling, and finishing
After the existing asphalt and road base is removed in preparation
for construction, circular caissons are drilled 8 to 10 meters (26 to 32 feet)
into the ground. Caissons are reinforced concrete columns placed below ground
that act as the foundation for platforms. First, a large drill is used to
create a deep hole for the column. Next, a steel rebar cage is placed in the
drilled hole. Finally the hole is filled in with concrete.
2. Platforms, barrier walls are formed, poured, and cured
Once the caissons are installed, the concrete station platform and
barrier walls will start to take shape. A concrete slab reinforced with steel
is built on top of caissons to serve as the platform for vivastations. Concrete
for the barrier walls are then formed, which provide delineation between the vivastation
and live traffic, making them a key safety feature of every vivastation.
Prior to the installation of the barrier walls, electrical conduits
are placed within the steel rebar cage. Plywood
forms are used as a mold for the walls and are placed around the rebar. Concrete
is poured into the forms to create the barrier walls. Once the concrete is
hardened, the forms are removed and the barrier walls are smoothed out to
remove any surface imperfections.
3. Steel erection
A steel skeleton – prefabricated offsite and transported by trucks
– is then erected on the concrete barrier walls. Prior to delivery to the site,
the steel canopy is painted with a resin coating, in a champagne bronze colour.
These structures are raised into place by a large crane with
careful maneuvering and precision. Lanes are often reduced around the
vivastation during this procedure to ensure pedestrians, motorists and crews
remain safe.
4. Glass
installation
Each of our vivastations use tempered glass, which contains properties
that strengthen the glass, ultimately creating a safe and durable structure
that covers the exterior of the vivastation.
The glass is pre-cut and tinted prior to delivery to the site.
Construction crews then carefully place the glass onto the canopy, creating our
beautiful, signature blue vivastations.
5. Tile
work on platform
Tile work is then done on the platforms, including tactile tile
work at every vivastation. These tactile tiles are either cast iron or porcelain
plates – depending on the construction project – that act as a textured ground
surface indicator. These tiles are able to assist pedestrians and passengers
who are visually impaired effectively navigate the surrounding environment.
Similar to our bus stops, we install directional tiles at every
vivastation platform. Directional tiles are brown, textured tiles that help to assist
visually impaired pedestrians and passengers in determining accurate direction
of travel.
6.
Electrical and IT systems
The installation of electrical and IT (Intelligent Transportation)
systems are spread out throughout the whole construction process. However, most
of this work happens close to when the vivastations will be completed. Security
and PA systems, emergency call boxes (ECB), lights, and motion-activated
heaters within the enclosed waiting area are installed, along with PRESTO/VIVA
fare vending machines.
7. Fixture
installation
Fixtures common to every vivastation are installed. These include,
but are not limited to, garbage and recycling bins, handrails, doors, signs,
and benches, signaling that the rapidway will soon be open for service.
building
transit for the future
It takes time to build transit that will have a lasting impact on
generations to come. Our construction projects are about more than just
dedicated lanes for bus rapid transit – they’re about connecting people and
places, and providing complete streets for the entire community to benefit
from. Complete streets provide economic, environmental and social benefits that
lead to an overall improvement in quality of life.
Transit riders, residents and businesses are best served when
transit works as an integrated system. It’s crucial for transit services to
work together as a well-planned network, connecting different modes of
transportation and destinations. And we’re proud that our vivastations play an
integral role in connecting the community in a faster, more efficient way.
STAYING
INFORMED
Make sure to connect with us on social media to receive regular
construction updates and stay in touch! The best way to stay informed about our construction
projects is to sign-up for email notifications at vivanext.com/subscribe, and to follow us on our social media platforms.
It can be tempting to cross between blocks, but it’s simply too dangerous. Drivers are not anticipating pedestrians crossing in the middle of the road and with lane closures in construction zones, it means extra caution is necessary.
be aware and alert
Students, always take the extra bit of time to go to the nearest crosswalk, put away distractions like earbuds and phones – and be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking near construction areas. Follow sidewalk detours and safely get on your way.
drivers, slow down
For drivers, during the back-to-school rush, it’s very important to be aware of the increased volume of pedestrians out and about.
safety is a shared responsibility
Because construction can change as work progresses, it’s important for everyone – pedestrians, cyclists and drivers – to pay attention to posted signs in and around construction zones. Watch for signs and traffic barrels that indicate lane shifts and closures, as well as relocated sidewalks and bus stops. Remember, safety is a shared responsibility!
We know construction can be messy and disruptive at times, and we thank you for your patience and understanding as we work hard to transform the corridor to a complete street with wide pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, shade-giving trees, bike lanes and rapid transit.
Because safety during rapidway construction is crucial, everyone must do their part. The important messages are: always cross at the designated crosswalk, pay attention to posted signs in and around construction zones, and obey the posted speed limit.
the reasons for bus rapid transit
Once construction of the rapidway is complete and the vivastations are open for service, Viva commute times will improve. Not only that, Viva buses can take advantage of priority traffic signals to help them stay on schedule.
Bus rapid transit also provides a viable option to get around as the population increases over the decades to come. It’s all part of a rapid transit network that connects the Region’s urban centres.
Summer’s here! And while summer means travelling with no worries of sliding on ice or wiping snow off the car windshield, it is also prime rapidway construction season. And while drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and transit riders are travelling around York Region, construction crews are out on the corridors daily working to upgrade utilities, widen the road to make way for the rapidway, construct vivastations and all the while ensuring that safety is a top priority.
To help keep everyone as safe as possible, it’s important to obey the posted speed limit in construction zones.
roadways under construction
During construction, lane closures are frequent and in the process of road widening and curb removal, uneven gravel surfaces are prominent. As a result, the roads are impacted and since driving conditions are not as smooth as anticipated; speed limits are reduced to prevent hazardous situations such as motor collisions.
workers are vulnerable
Making a conscious effort to slow down and abide by the posted speed limit contributes to the safety of those on the road including, pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and construction crews who are often working in close proximity to the roadside.
be aware of machinery
While driving, it’s important to take note of construction machinery which is typically larger than other vehicles on the road. Be attentive to the different types of equipment as well as to changes and reduction in traffic lanes
We understand how exciting these summer months can be and how tempting it is to rush home after a long day, yet your safety is one of our top priorities, and at vivaNext we work hard to keep our community protected.
Safety is a shared responsibility. So the next time you’re driving near a construction site, slow down, and be aware of the reduced speed limits in your area.
With the rising temperatures, it’s clear that summer is here! Summer brings barbecues, beach days and trips to the zoo. And now that school is over for the summer, kids and their families will be spending more time outside and on our roads. It also means that the construction of our rapidways – on Highway 7 West in Woodbridge, Bathurst & Centre in Thornhill, and on Yonge Street in Richmond Hill and Newmarket – is in full swing.
Summer is our favourite season, not only because of the beautiful weather, but also because it means our vision of efficient and reliable transportation is becoming closer to completion every day.
safety in construction areas is key
Children of all ages are trading in their backpacks and pencils for bikes and basketballs. With school over for the summer, kids and their families will be spending more time outside and on our roads. That’s why we’d like to remind motorists to drive carefully and exercise caution in order to keep kids safe and sound! In construction areas, safety should be even more top of mind – for everyone.
have fun and keep safe this summer
It’s inevitable that drivers can get distracted from time-to-time. The warmer weather and busy summer schedules may create even more distractions, which is why it’s so important to remember to be alert and cautious.
safety is a shared responsibility
When you’re driving through a construction zone or driving through a neighborhood filled with kids playing outside, it’s important to give your undivided attention to the road, pay attention to construction signage, and be alert for pedestrians, construction workers, and cyclists.
Summer brings many fun activities, but it also requires more attention to help everyone enjoy their summer. Remember, safety is a shared responsibility.
Summertime means replacing our winter tires and boots with bikes and running shoes. It also means that it is a busy season as construction ramps up for all the vivaNext projects. As the streets become livelier, the safety of everyone is a top priority.
To assist in getting the message out, you will notice signs and barrels out on rapidway construction routes to guide and raise awareness. To find out even more, check out our latest video: Pay attention to posted signs.
When it comes to vivaNext rapidway construction, signs and markers are the main method of communication to the public. So it is very important for pedestrians, transit riders, cyclists and drivers to keep an eye out for the vivaNext construction signs. It’s important take the time to read and understand them because they’ve been specifically designed and placed for your safety.
sidewalk closures
There are hazards to be aware of on construction sites and proper protective equipment is required to be worn by construction workers and project team members at all times.
It is really important for members of the public to stay out of these construction zones and follow posted signs to stay in designated safe areas. If sidewalk closures occur between intersections, there will be signs posted at the beginning of the sidewalk to help you get to your destination.
cross at designated crosswalks
It may be tempting to cross the street between intersections but during construction, large equipment, lane closures and traffic shifts are constantly changing which makes it difficult for drivers to spot pedestrians crossing unexpectedly.
relocated bus stops
When roadwork takes place near bus stops, they have to be relocated for your safety. Follow the signs for directions to the nearest temporary bus stops.
VivaNext’s blue signs are created to help guide you around our roadwork. Keep your eyes out for signs placed along the construction corridor to help keep construction zones as safe as possible for everyone.
Safety is a shared responsiblity. Remember to watch your step, keep informed, plan ahead, be alert and stay safe.
When you think about transit, do you imagine safer places for walking, driving, and taking transit? We did – that’s why when we designed our rapidway projects, we built in features that would make each roadway more welcoming, and safer for everyone. Some of these safety improvements include:
Centre lanes: According to York region’s 2016 statistics, there has been a 20 – 40% reduction in collisions on Davis Drive and Highway 7 East, compared to 2009, before Rapidway construction began. The center lane rapidway design certainly plays a part in this, removing the option for higher risk mid-block left turns. At some intersections, like on Davis Drive, dedicated left turn lanes were added, preventing drivers from having to merge out from behind left-turning traffic in a shared lane.
Emergency path: The rapidway lanes are for buses only, but available for ambulance, fire and police vehicles to use in an emergency. According to York Region’s emergency services, having these lanes available may have contributed to reduce travel and response times in the community.
Station safety features: Viva customers can feel secure at rapidway stations, thanks to impact-resistance glass at each station, with an interior film that prevents shattering, similar to a windshield. In the case of an emergency at a vivastation, security cameras are monitored 24/7 and an emergency button lets customers speak directly to transit security.
Safer corners: Typically, corners of intersections are either a gentle arc to allow higher-speed right turns for vehicles and easier turning for large trucks, or they’re a tighter radius in more pedestrian-heavy zones to ensure drivers see pedestrians, and take corners slowly.
Sturdy barriers: New traffic signals offer a safe, two-stage crossing option with a waiting area in the middle protected by concrete barriers [we refer to these as “banana walls,” due to their curved shape].
Wider sidewalks: Sidewalks are wider, with concrete planters that offer a physical barrier in case of a traffic accident.
Safety is always top priority for vivaNext projects. It shows in the results – great communities with welcoming, safe roadways and reliable transit. These design features are just part of what we do to build great places to take transit, walk and drive, and there’s more to come.
They say it can sometimes take a village to raise a child. Well, the same can be said for winter maintenance in one of our construction zones – we work with local municipalities, cities and towns, and our crews to make the construction zones as safe as possible for pedestrians and drivers.
road and sidewalk maintenance
During construction, road and sidewalk maintenance is the responsibility of the construction contractor within the project areas. But during the winter, the Region and local municipalities are responsible for ensuring the roads and sidewalks are kept clear. Before winter arrives, we ensure every aspect of the construction zones is compatible with the requirements for winter maintenance operations.
This means making sure the snow-clearing equipment can manoeuver through the construction zones, boulevards and platforms. Our design work and construction staging plans have always had those requirements top of mind, but we walk through the sites with Regional and municipal staff again before winter to identify any little details that might impede their operations.
During winter, we work closely with the constructor to repair potholes, ensure proper signs are installed, organize construction barrels for proper delineation for motorists and pedestrians, etc. We also take steps to ensure traffic moves through the winter, including making travel lanes as straight as possible through the construction zones, and ensure traffic markings are clear.
municipal versus regional roads
Did you know there are more than 50 Regional roads in York Region? Regional roads are usually main arterial roadways that connect the nine local municipalities to one another. These roads are operated and maintained by York Region, and each is identified by a numbered Regional road sign. Local roads are operated and maintained by local municipalities.
This means that the Region is responsible for clearing snow from Regional roads. Similarly, Towns are responsible for clearing snow from municipal roads. The Region often has agreements with municipalities, where the Town is responsible for clearing snow from sidewalks on the Regional right of way
challenges from Mother Nature
Living in Canada, we all know how cruel Mother Nature can be. The fluctuating temperatures and general unpredictability of weather can sometimes cause havoc on our construction sites.
Our construction zones often suffer from the freeze and thaw of winter, meaning road bumps or potholes can appear (and appear often they do!). Potholes and road bumps often appear due to general wear-and-tear, and not as a sole result of construction. Regardless, crews from the Region and our contractor, are out repairing these road settlements often. Road cuts and temporary asphalt patches are only effective when applied on dry pavement and temperature above 6 °C.
These are just some of the ways we work with our Regional partners and constructor to make the construction zones as safe as possible for pedestrians and drivers. Our crews remain busy with the fluctuating weather, so sign up for electronic construction updates.
